Colorado quarterback Sam Noyer (15) throws a pass during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Washington State in Pullman, Wash., Saturday, Oct. 21, 2017. Washington State won 28-0.

The University of Colorado (4-4, 1-4 Pac 12) was defeated, 28-0, late Saturday night at Washington State (7-1, 4-1 Pac-12). Denver Post college football reporter Kyle Fredrickson provides five quick observations from the loss.

1. When it rains, it pours. The gusty and rain-soaked playing conditions in Pullman magnified CU’s latest misstep as the Buffaloes slip further toward mediocrity this fall. It was sloppy play start to finish, and for the first time since 2012, CU’s offense failed to score a single point. It totaled only 174 yards. Offensive tackle Jeromy Irwin was ejected for a targeting penalty on a failed fourth-down conversion. Cornerback Isaiah Oliver, center Jonathan Huckins and linebacker Derek McCartney left the game with injuries. Now, CU must win two of its last four to reach a bowl. Just a brutal series of events.

2. Quarterback change.Steven Montez didn’t complete a pass until late in the second quarter. His nine first-half incompletions were frequently wildly inaccurate and Montez showed frustration as he returned the sideline. Trailing 14-0 entering the third quarter, the Buffaloes opted for backup Sam Noyer, and the redshirt freshman didn’t fare much better: 7 of 18 for 53 yards. Montez’s performance might have warranted change, but how does this impact his confidence moving forward? Or has the Noyer era begun in Boulder?

3. Lindsay landmark. Once again, those searching for a positive spin through the Buffaloes’ woes can rely on tailback Phillip Lindsay for relief. With 29 carries for 98 yards, Lindsay became the sixth Football Bowl Subdivision player to surpass 1,000 yards rushing on the season. He is also now the first player in CU history to break the mark in consecutive seasons. Lindsay will be remembered among the greatest Buffaloes of all time. It’s a shame it hasn’t translated to more wins in his final season.

4. Falk’s fire. While CU struggled to establish consistency at quarterback, WSU’s Luke Falk fought through adversity with an inspired performance. He completed only 50 percent of his passes (17 of 34), but threw three touchdowns with zero interceptions. It was an especially impressive bounce-back after Falk tossed five picks a week ago at California. Falk proved he still belongs among the Pac-12’s elite quarterbacks.

5. Leach being Leach. A trip to Pullman isn’t complete until WSU’s head coach does something strange. Friday was no exception. Leading 21-0, the Cougars’ offense stalled with three-and-outs on consecutive drives. So Mike Leach had his players doing up-downs and crunches on the sideline in response. An appropriate punishment considering the variables? Some might say no. But Leach has always done things a bit differently.

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Matisse Thybulle scored a career-high 26 points and Noah Dickerson added 14 as Washington snapped a three-game losing skid by pulling away for an 82-59 victory over Colorado in a Pac-12 Conference game on Saturday night.

At times the three-game homestand wasn’t pretty. Still, 3-0 is 3-0, and taking care of business at home for three consecutive games is more than aesthetically-pleasing enough for the Colorado men’s basketball team.